Updated Civic hatchback to get Type-R inspired styling, with the aim of lifting European sales

Honda's European arm is readying a major facelift for the slow-selling Civic hatch just two and a half years after the car went on sale. Despite the extensive disguise on this prototype spotted in the UK, it's clear that most of the restyling work has been applied to the Civic's nose.

It is expected that the revamped Civic will get a similar front bumper design to that used on the upcoming Civic Type-R. The turbocharged hot hatch will be used to improve the image of the five-door family model, while a more sporting version of the standard Civic is also expected to be introduced as part of the revamp.

The Civic Type R, which is currently under development by Honda's engineers, will be powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-litre engine said to be good for over 270bhp. Honda wants to set the front-wheel drive lap record at the Nurburgring - recently smashed by Renault - so a late summer record attempt, in time for an unveiling of the revamped Civic hatch and production Type R at the Paris show in October, is likely.

Honda's European division has been struggling in the past few years, with both the new Civic hatch and the CR-V SUV failing to achieve sales success. According to figures released by Automotive Industry Data (AID), just 38,000 Civics were sold in Europe last year, some four times less than that managed by the Vauxhall/Opel Astra.